High visibility yarns and fabrics and methods relating thereto

ABSTRACT

Described herein are high visibility yarns and fabrics along with methods and making and using the same.

FIELD

The present invention relates to high visibility yarns and fabrics alongwith methods of making and using the same.

BACKGROUND

High visibility fabrics are used in a number of settings for safety.Fabrics providing high visibility and desirable properties for wear,laundering, and safety are desired.

SUMMARY

A first aspect of the present invention is directed to a yarncomprising: a blend of fibers, the blend of fibers comprising: about 90%to about 99% fiber dyed modacrylic fibers by weight of the yarn; about0% to about 10% para-aramid fibers by weight of the yarn; and about 0%to about 2% anti-static fibers by weight of the yarn, wherein at leastone of para-aramid fibers and anti-static fibers is present in the yarn.

A further aspect of the present invention is directed to a fabriccomprising a yarn as described herein.

Another aspect of the present invention is directed to a fabriccomprising: a plurality of yarns, wherein each yarn of the plurality ofyarns comprises fiber dyed modacrylic fibers blended with para-aramidfibers and/or anti-static fibers, wherein the fabric comprises: about90% to about 99% fiber dyed modacrylic fibers by weight of the fabric;about 0% to about 10% para-aramid fibers by weight of the fabric; andabout 0% to about 2% anti-static fibers by weight of the fabric.

Another aspect of the present invention is directed to use of a yarn asdescribed herein in forming a fabric and/or garment (e.g., a shirt,pant, vest, jacket, etc.).

Another aspect of the present invention is directed to use of a fabricas described herein in forming a garment (e.g., a shirt, pant, vest,jacket, etc.).

It is noted that aspects of the invention described with respect to oneembodiment, may be incorporated in a different embodiment although notspecifically described relative thereto. That is, all embodiments and/orfeatures of any embodiment can be combined in any way and/orcombination. Applicant reserves the right to change any originally filedclaim and/or file any new claim accordingly, including the right to beable to amend any originally filed claim to depend from and/orincorporate any feature of any other claim or claims although notoriginally claimed in that manner. These and other objects and/oraspects of the present invention are explained in detail in thespecification set forth below. Further features, advantages and detailsof the present invention will be appreciated by those of ordinary skillin the art from a reading of the figures and the detailed description ofthe preferred embodiments that follow, such description being merelyillustrative of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

The present invention is now described more fully hereinafter in whichembodiments of the invention are described. This invention may, however,be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed aslimited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather these embodimentsare provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete andwill fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in theart.

The terminology used in the description of the invention herein is forthe purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is notintended to be limiting of the invention. As used in the description ofthe invention and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an” and“the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless thecontext clearly indicates otherwise.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientificterms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by oneof ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will befurther understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly useddictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that isconsistent with their meaning in the context of the present applicationand relevant art and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overlyformal sense unless expressly so defined herein. The terminology used inthe description of the invention herein is for the purpose of describingparticular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of theinvention. All publications, patent applications, patents and otherreferences mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in theirentirety. In case of a conflict in terminology, the presentspecification is controlling.

Also as used herein, “and/or” refers to and encompasses any and allpossible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items, aswell as the lack of combinations when interpreted in the alternative(“or”).

Unless the context indicates otherwise, it is specifically intended thatthe various features of the invention described herein can be used inany combination. Moreover, the present invention also contemplates thatin some embodiments of the invention, any feature or combination offeatures set forth herein can be excluded or omitted. To illustrate, ifthe specification states that a complex comprises components A, B and C,it is specifically intended that any of A, B or C, or a combinationthereof, can be omitted and disclaimed.

As used herein, the transitional phrase “consisting essentially of” (andgrammatical variants) is to be interpreted as encompassing the recitedmaterials or steps “and those that do not materially affect the basicand novel characteristic(s)” of the claimed invention. See, In re Herz,537 F.2d 549, 551-52, 190 U.S.P.Q. 461, 463 (CCPA 1976) (emphasis in theoriginal); see also MPEP § 2111.03. Thus, the term “consistingessentially of” as used herein should not be interpreted as equivalentto “comprising.”

The term “about,” as used herein when referring to a measurable valuesuch as an amount or concentration and the like, is meant to encompassvariations of ±10%, ±5%, ±1%, ±0.5%, or even ±0.1% of the specifiedvalue as well as the specified value. For example, “about X” where X isthe measurable value, is meant to include X as well as variations of±10%, ±5%, ±1%, ±0.5%, or even ±0.1% of X. A range provided herein for ameasurable value may include any other range and/or individual valuetherein.

As used herein, the terms “increase,” “increases,” “increased,”“increasing,” and similar terms indicate an elevation in the specifiedparameter or value of at least about 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%,40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 100%, 150%,200%, 300%, 400%, 500% or more such as compared to another measurableproperty or quantity (e.g., a control value).

As used herein, the terms “reduce,” “reduces,” “reduced,” “reduction,”“inhibit,” and similar terms refer to a decrease in the specifiedparameter or value of at least about 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%,40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 97%, or 100%such as compared to another measurable property or quantity (e.g., acontrol value).

Provided according to embodiments of the present invention are yarns andfabrics that can provide and/or are configured to provided highvisibility. A yarn and/or fabric of the present invention may meet therequirements of ANSI/ISEA 107-2020 entitled “American National Standardfor High-Visibility Safety Apparel.” A yarn of the present invention maycomprise a blend of fibers, the blend of fibers comprising: about 90% ormore fiber dyed modacrylic fibers by weight of the yarn; about 0% toabout 10% para-aramid fibers by weight of the yarn; and about 0% toabout 2% anti-static fibers by weight of the yarn. At least one ofpara-aramid fibers and anti-static fibers may be present in the yarn.“Fiber dyed” as used herein refers to a fiber that includes a coloringagent that was present during formation of the fiber itself. “Coloringagent” as used herein refers to a dye (e.g., an insoluble dye), apigment (e.g., insoluble pigment) and/or additive that modifies thecolor and/or shade of a fiber to which the coloring agent is contactedand/or present in and/or on compared to the color and/or shade of thefiber in the absence of the coloring agent. A coloring agent may beincluded in a composition including a fiber forming polymer that is usedto form a fiber to thereby provide a fiber dyed fiber. Thus, a fiberdyed fiber is a fiber that is dyed prior to and/or during the formationof the fiber itself. A fiber dyed fiber is also dyed prior to preparinga yarn or fabric using the fiber and is distinguished from fibers thatare dyed when already in the form of a fiber (such as stock dyedfibers), yarn or fabric. As another example, a fiber dyed anti-staticfiber may refer to an anti-static fiber that includes during theanti-static fiber forming process a coloring agent that modifies thenatural black, gray, or white color of the anti-static fiber to anothercolor and/or shade. Exemplary fiber dyed fibers are solution dyed fibersand/or gel dyed fibers. Solution-dyed fibers are dyed/pigmented duringthe spinning process of the fibers such as by introducing a coloringagent (e.g., a pigment and/or dye (e.g., insoluble dye or pigment)) intothe polymer solution or dope prior to extrusion. Gel dyed fibers arefibers that have been contacted with a coloring agent in the gel state(e.g., a coloring agent is contacted to a wet-spun fiber prior toquenching/drawing and drying of the fiber). In some embodiments, a geldyed fiber may be prepared by contacting a wet-spun fiber with acomposition (e.g., a bath such as an aqueous solution) comprising acoloring agent such as by passing the wet-spun fiber through a bathcomprising a coloring agent. In contrast to fiber dyed fibers, stockdyed fibers are dyed/pigmented after extrusion of the fibers.

In some embodiments, a yarn and/or fabric of the present inventioncomprises para-aramid fibers and fiber dyed modacrylic fibers,optionally wherein the para-aramid fibers are fiber dyed para-aramidfibers. In some embodiments, a yarn and/or fabric of the presentinvention comprises fiber dyed modacrylic fibers and anti-static fibers,which may be fiber dyed anti-static fibers. In some embodiments, a yarnand/or fabric of the present invention comprises fiber dyed modacrylicfibers, para-aramid fibers, and anti-static fibers, optionally whereinthe anti-static fibers and/or para-aramid fibers are fiber dyed. In someembodiments, a yarn and/or fabric of the present invention comprisespara-aramid fibers that are not fiber dyed para-aramid fibers. In someembodiments, a yarn and/or fabric of the present invention comprisespara-aramid fibers that are not dyed and/or that are devoid of a dye. A“natural fiber” as used herein refers to a fiber (e.g., a modacrylicfiber, para-aramid fiber, or anti-static fiber) that is devoid of acoloring agent and/or is a fiber that is not dyed. In some embodiments,a natural fiber may be ecru. As one of skill in the art will understand,a “natural anti-static fiber” includes a fiber forming polymer and aconductive additive and the conductive additive may provide the fiberwith a color of white, gray, or black. Thus, a natural anti-static fibermay be white, gray, or black, but is devoid of a coloring agent otherthan the conductive additive that modifies its color and/or shade. Insome embodiments, a natural anti-static fiber may be prepared byincluding the conductive additive in the composition used to form theanti-static fiber and thus the conductive additive may be present duringthe anti-static fiber forming process, thereby the natural anti-staticfiber may be a solution-dyed anti-static fiber even in its naturalstate. A solution-dyed anti-static fiber may also be a naturalanti-static fiber (i.e., a natural, solution-dyed anti-static fiber) ifthe conductive additive was present during the anti-static fiber formingprocess (e.g., present in the polymer solution or dope prior toextrusion of the fiber) and the anti-static fiber is white, gray, orblack and is devoid a coloring agent other than the conductive additive.A yarn and/or fabric of the present invention may comprise fiber dyedfibers that consist of fiber dyed modacrylic fibers and/or fiber dyedanti-static fibers. In some embodiments, a yarn and/or fabric of thepresent invention consists of fiber dyed modacrylic fibers andpara-aramid fibers and/or anti-static fibers, optionally wherein theanti-static fibers are fiber dyed anti-static fibers. A yarn and/orfabric of the present invention may be devoid of cellulosic fibers(e.g., cotton, rayon, acetate, triacetate, and/or lyocell fibers).

In some embodiments, a yarn of the present invention comprises fiberdyed modacrylic fibers in an amount of about 95% by weight of yarn andthe para-aramid fibers (e.g., natural para-aramid fibers) are present inan amount of about 5% by weight of the yarn. In some embodiments, a yarnof the present invention comprises fiber dyed modacrylic fibers in anamount of greater than 95% by weight of yarn and the para-aramid fibersare present in an amount of less than 5% by weight of the yarn.

A yarn and/or fabric of the present invention may comprise one or more(e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or more) different types of fibers that are fiberdyed fibers. In some embodiments, the yarn and/or fabric comprises fiberdyed modacrylic fibers and fiber dyed anti-static fibers. In someembodiments, the yarn and/or fabric comprises fiber dyed modacrylicfibers and natural para-aramid fibers and/or natural anti-static fibers.A yarn of the present invention may comprise fiber dyed fibers in anamount of about 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, or 95% to about 96%, 97%, 98%,99%, or 100% by weight of the yarn such as in an amount of about 90%,91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%. In someembodiments, a yarn of the present invention comprises fiber dyed fibersin an amount of greater than 95% by weight of the yarn. Once formed, ayarn of the present invention may not be treated and/or contacted with acoloring agent (e.g., dye) and/or the yarn is devoid of a post-formationdye. A “post-formation dye” as used herein refers to a coloring agent(e.g., a dye) that is contacted to a yarn or fabric itself (i.e.,contacted to a yarn or fabric after it is formed). In some embodiments,a fabric of the present invention is not piece dyed and/or the fabric isdevoid of a coloring agent (e.g., a dye) added by piece dyeing. A fabricof the present invention may be devoid of a post-formation dye.

A fabric of the present invention may comprise fiber dyed fibers in anamount of about 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, or 95% to about 96%, 97%, 98%,99%, or 100% by weight of the fabric such as in an amount of about 90%,91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%. In someembodiments, a fabric of the present invention comprises fiber dyedfibers in an amount of greater than 95% by weight of the fabric. Onceformed, a fabric of the present invention may not be treated and/orcontacted with a coloring agent (e.g., a dye) and/or the fabric isdevoid of a post-formation dye.

It was unexpectedly discovered by the inventors of the present inventionthat a yarn and/or fabric of the present invention including fiber dyedmodacrylic fibers can provide sufficient color and/or properties withoutneeding to be piece dyed and/or dyed after formation of the yarn and/orfabric. For example, a yarn and/or fabric of the present invention(e.g., comprising fiber dyed modacrylic fibers and natural para-aramidfibers and/or natural anti-static fibers) that is devoid of apost-formation dye (e.g., has not been piece dyed) can meet therequirements of ANSI/ISEA 107-2020. In some embodiments, the naturalanti-static fibers are black fibers, gray fibers, and/or white fibers.Additionally, a yarn and/or fabric of the present invention may haveimproved color, laundering and/or performance compared to a yarn and/orfabric not in accordance with the present invention (e.g., a yarn and/orfabric devoid of fiber dyed modacrylic fibers and/or a yarn and/orfabric including a post-formation dye). For example, a fabric of thepresent invention (e.g., comprising fiber dyed modacrylic fibers andnatural para-aramid fibers and/or natural anti-static fibers) that isdevoid of a post-formation dye (e.g., has not been piece dyed) can meetthe requirements of ANSI/ISEA 107-2020 after an exposure test performedin accordance with AATCC 16.3-2014 and/or after laundering performed inaccordance with AATCC 61-2013 at a temperature of about 105° F. to about140° F., optionally at a temperature of about 120° F. to about 140° F.

Modacrylic fibers (e.g., fiber dyed modacrylic fibers) may be present ina yarn and/or fabric of the present invention in an amount of about 90%or more by weight of the yarn and/or fabric, respectively. In someembodiments, modacrylic fibers are present in the yarn in an amount thatis greater than 90% by weight of the yarn and/or modacrylic fibers arepresent in the fabric in an amount that is greater than 90% by weight ofthe fabric. In some embodiments, fiber dyed modacrylic fibers arepresent in the yarn and/or fabric in an amount of about 90%, 91%, 92%,93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% by weight of the yarn and/orfabric, respectively. In some embodiments, the yarn and/or fabriccomprises 90% to about 100% fiber dyed modacrylic fibers by weight ofthe yarn and/or fabric such as about 92% to about 100%, about 92% toabout 98%, about 93% to about 100%, about 93% to about 98%, about 93% toabout 97%, about 94% to about 100%, about 94% to about 98%, about 94% toabout 97%, about 94% to about 96%, about 94% to about 95%, about 95% toabout 100%, about 95% to about 98%, about 95% to about 97%, about 95% toabout 96%, about 96% to about 100%, about 96% to about 98%, about 97% toabout 100%, about 97% to about 99%, about 98% to about 99%, or about 98%to about 100% by weight of the yarn and/or fabric, respectively. In someembodiments, the modacrylic fibers are fiber dyed modacrylic fibers. Insome embodiments, the modacrylic fibers are solution-dyed modacrylicfibers. In some embodiments, the modacrylic fibers are gel dyedmodacrylic fibers.

Fiber dyed modacrylic fibers of the present invention may be inherentlyflame retardant. “Inherently flame retardant” as used herein inreference to a fiber means that the fiber has flame resistance builtinto its chemical structure and the fiber itself is not flammable. Insome embodiments, a fiber dyed modacrylic fiber is self-extinguishingand does not melt or drip when exposed to a flame, optionally whenexposed to a flame as performed and/or measured in accordance with ASTMF1506. In some embodiments, a fiber dyed modacrylic fiber does not meltor drip, has an after-flame of less than 2 seconds, and has a charlength of less than 6 inches when exposed to a flame as performed and/ormeasured in accordance with ASTM F1506. In some embodiments, a fiberdyed modacrylic fiber has a limiting oxygen index (LOI) of about 28%,29%, 30%, 31%, 32%, 33%, 34%, 35%, or more. In some embodiments, a fiberdyed modacrylic fiber has a LOI of about 32% or more. In someembodiments, a fiber dyed modacrylic fiber has a LOI of about 34% ormore.

Fiber dyed modacrylic fibers of the present invention comprise a polymerthat includes 35% to 85% acrylonitrile monomer units by weight of thepolymer. In some embodiments, a fiber dyed modacrylic fiber comprises35% to 85% acrylonitrile monomer units by weight of the polymer, such asabout 35% to about 60%, about 40% to about 80%, about 40% to about 70%,about 40% to about 60%, about 40% to about 50%, about 50% to about 85%,about 50% to about 80%, about 50% to about 70%, about 50% to about 60%,about 60% to about 80%, about 60% to about 70%, or about 70% to about80% acrylonitrile monomer units by weight of the polymer. The polymer ofa fiber dyed modacrylic fiber comprises one or more (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4,5, or more) comonomer unit(s) (e.g., a neutral and/or acid comonomerunit). A comonomer may be present in the polymer of a modacrylic fiberin an amount of about 0.1% to about 65% by weight of the polymer such asabout 0.1%, 0.5%, 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%,45%, 50%, 55%, 60% or 65% by weight of the polymer. Example comonomerunits include, but are not limited to, vinyl chloride, vinylidenechloride, dichloromethane, and/or vinyl bromide. In some embodiments, afiber dyed modacrylic fiber comprises acrylonitrile units and vinylidenechloride units. As those skilled in the art will understand, a polymerof a fiber dyed modacrylic fiber may be obtained by polymerizing anacrylonitrile monomer, optionally in the presence of one or morecomonomers.

A fiber dyed modacrylic fiber may have a halogen (e.g., chlorine and/orbromine) content in an amount of about 10% to about 50% by weight of thefiber dyed modacrylic fiber, such as about 10%, 15%, or 20% to about25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, or 50% by weight of the fiber dyed modacrylicfiber. A fiber dyed modacrylic fiber may comprise a synergist. Exemplarysynergists that may be present in a fiber dyed modacrylic fiber include,but are not limited to, antimony oxides such as antimony trioxide and/orantimony pentoxide. In some embodiments, a fiber dyed modacrylic fibercomprises an antimony oxide, optionally wherein the fiber dyedmodacrylic fiber comprises antimony pentoxide. A synergist may bepresent in an amount of about 5% or 10% to about 50% by weight of thefiber dyed modacrylic fiber, such as about 5%, 10%, 15%, or 20% to about25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, or 50% by weight of the fiber. In someembodiments, fiber dyed modacrylic fibers present in a yarn and/orfabric of the present invention are annealed modacrylic fibers, whichmay have reduced or no irregularities (e.g., internal fissures,fractures, pitting, etc.), deformities and/or internal stresses comparedto modacrylic fibers that are not annealed such as quenched modacrylicfibers. Annealed modacrylic fibers may be achieved by a process thatcomprises gradually cooling the extruded modacrylic fibers optionallythrough a series of convective ovens/rollers. In contrast, quenchedmodacrylic fibers can be prepared by a process in which filaments arerapidly cooled from their melt temperature to a temperature below theirglass transition phase by way of air blasts, water/chemical baths,and/or the like. The quenching process is often done in the shortesttime frame and corresponding distance possible to eliminate die swelland other changes in filament size, shape and orientation. A fiber dyedmodacrylic fiber of the present invention may be Prop 65 compliant.

A fiber dyed modacrylic fiber may have a degree of crystallinity of atleast 35%. In some embodiments, a fiber dyed modacrylic fiber has adegree of crystallinity of about 35%, 36%, 37%, 38%, 39%, 40%, 41%, 42%,43%, 44%, 45%, 46%, 47%, 48%, 49%, or 50% or more. In some embodiments,a fiber dyed modacrylic fiber has a degree of crystallinity of about 36%to about 50%, about 36% to about 45%, about 36% to about 42%, about 36%to about 40%, about 38% to about 45%, about 38% to about 42%, about 38%to about 41%, about 38% to about 48%, about 39% to about 45%, about 39%to about 43%, or about 39% to about 41%. In some embodiments, a fiberdyed modacrylic fiber has a degree of crystallinity of at least 38% toabout 45% or at least 38% to about 40%.

Anti-static fibers may be present in a yarn and/or fabric of the presentinvention in an amount of about 0.01% or 0.1% to about 2% by weight ofthe yarn and/or fabric, respectively, such as about 0.01% to about 2%,about 0.1% to about 2%, about 0.1% to about 1.5%, about 0.1% to about1%, about 0.1% to about 0.5%, about 0.5% to about 2%, about 0.5% toabout 1.5%, about 0.5% to about 1%, about 0.5% to about 0.75%, about 1%to about 2%, about 1% to about 1.5%, or about 1.5% to 2% by weight ofthe yarn and/or fabric, respectively. In some embodiments, anti-staticfibers are present in the yarn and/or fabric in an amount of about 0.1%,0.2%, 0.3%, 0.4%, 0.5%, 0.6%, 0.7%, 0.8%, 0.9%, 1%, 1.1%, 1.2%, 1.3%,1.4%, 1.5%, 1.6%, 1.7%, 1.8%, 1.9%, or 2% by weight of the yarn and/orfabric, respectively. In some embodiments, the anti-static fibers arefiber dyed anti-static fibers. In some embodiments, the anti-staticfibers are solution-dyed anti-static fibers. In some embodiments, theanti-static fibers are stock dyed anti-static fibers. In someembodiments, the anti-static fibers are gel dyed anti-static fibers. Insome embodiments, the anti-static fibers are natural anti-static fibers.In some embodiments, the anti-static fibers are natural, solution-dyedanti-static fibers, optionally white, natural, solution-dyed anti-staticfibers. In some embodiments, the natural anti-static fibers are blackfibers, gray fibers, white fibers, or a combination of two or morethereof. A yarn and/or fabric of the present invention may comprisesolution-dyed anti-static fibers, stock dyed anti-static fibers, geldyed anti-static, and/or natural anti-static fibers. In someembodiments, a yarn and/or fabric of the present invention is devoid ofanti-static fibers (i.e., there are 0% anti-static fibers by weight ofthe yarn and/or fabric, respectively).

Para-aramid fibers may be present in the yarn and/or fabric in an amountof about 0.01% or 0.1% to about 10% by weight of the yarn and/or fabricsuch as about 0.5% to about 9%, about 0.5% to about 8%, about 0.5% toabout 7%, about 0.5% to about 6%, about 0.5% to about 5%, about 0.5% toabout 4%, about 0.5% to about 3%, about 0.5% to about 2%, about 0.5% toabout 1%, about 1% to about 10%, about 1% to about 9%, about 1% to about8%, about 1% to about 7%, about 1% to about 6%, about 1% to about 5%,about 1% to about 4%, about 1% to about 3%, about 1% to about 2%, about2% to about 10%, about 2% to about 9%, about 2% to about 8%, about 2% toabout 7%, about 2% to about 6%, about 2% to about 5%, about 2% to about4%, about 2% to about 3%, about 4% to about 10%, about 5% to about 10%,or about 6% to about 10% by weight of the yarn and/or fabric,respectively. In some embodiments, para-aramid fibers are present in theyarn and/or fabric in an amount of about 0%, 0.01%, 0.05%, 0.1%, 0.2%,0.3%, 0.4%, 0.5%, 0.6%, 0.7%, 0.8%, 0.9%, 1%, 1.5%, 2%, 2.5%, 3%, 3.5%,4%, 4.5%, 5%, 5.5%, 6%, 6.5%, 7%, 7.5%, 8%, 8.5%, 9%, 9.5%, or 10% byweight of the yarn and/or fabric, respectively. In some embodiments,para-aramid fibers are not present in the yarn and/or fabric (i.e.,there are 0% para-aramid fibers by weight of the yarn and/or fabric,respectively). In some embodiments, the para-aramid fibers are fiberdyed para-aramid fibers. In some embodiments, the para-aramid fibers aresolution-dyed para-aramid fibers. In some embodiments, the para-aramidfibers are stock dyed para-aramid fibers. In some embodiments, thepara-aramid fibers are gel dyed para-aramid fibers. In some embodiments,the para-aramid fibers are devoid of a coloring agent (i.e., naturalpara-aramid fibers). A yarn and/or fabric of the present invention maycomprise stock dyed para-aramid fibers, solution-dyed para-aramidfibers, gel dyed para-aramid fibers, and/or natural para-aramid fibers.

A yarn and/or fabric of the present invention may have a color that isfluorescent yellow-green, fluorescent orange-red, or fluorescent red, asdefined by ANSI/ISEA 107-2020. In some embodiments, color may bemeasured in accordance with ASTM E1164-17 and/or using aspectrophotometer at a wavelength in a range of 400 nm to 700 nm and atintervals of 10 nm as well as illumination D65 and 45/0 or 0/45 geometrywith 2° standard observer and a black underlay with a reflectance ofless than 0.04. In some embodiments, a yarn and/or fabric of the presentinvention may have a color, prior to an exposure test (e.g., prior to axenon exposure test), having chromaticity coordinates that fall withinthe chromaticity coordinates as defined by ANSI/ISEA 107-2020 forfluorescent yellow-green, fluorescent orange-red, or fluorescent red.Exemplary exposure tests include, but are not limited to, xenon exposuretests such as those carried out in accordance with AATCC 16.3-2014entitled “Colorfastness to Light Xenon Arc.” A xenon exposure test mayexpose a fabric to 40 AATCC fading units (170 kJ/m2@420 nm). Color maybe measured (optionally in accordance with AATCC 16.3-2014 and/or withchromaticity coordinates as defined by ANSI/ISEA 107-2020) before andafter an exposure test. In some embodiments, a yarn and/or fabric has acolor, after an exposure test (e.g., after a xenon exposure test),having chromaticity coordinates as defined by ANSI/ISEA 107-2020 thatfall within the chromaticity coordinates for fluorescent yellow-green,fluorescent orange-red, or fluorescent red, optionally as measured inaccordance with AATCC 16.3-2014. In some embodiments, a yarn and/orfabric of the present invention has a color, before and after anexposure test (e.g., as carried out in accordance with AATCC 16.3-2014),that is fluorescent yellow-green, fluorescent orange-red, or fluorescentred (e.g., has chromaticity coordinates as defined by ANSI/ISEA 107-2020for fluorescent yellow-green, fluorescent orange-red, or fluorescentred). In some embodiments, a yarn and/or fabric of the present inventionmay have a color, chromaticity coordinates, and/or luminance factor asshown in Table 1.

TABLE 1 Exemplary color, chromaticity coordinates, and luminance factorsMinimum total Chromaticity luminance coordinates factor Color X y Y (%)Fluorescent 0.387 0.610 70 yellow-green 0.356 0.494 0.398 0.452 0.4600.540 Fluorescent 0.610 0.390 40 orange-red 0.535 0.375 0.570 0.3400.655 0.345 Fluorescent 0.655 0.345 25 red 0.570 0.340 0.595 0.315 0.6900.310

In some embodiments, a yarn and/or fabric of the present invention has aluminance factor, prior to an exposure test (e.g., prior to a xenonexposure test optionally in accordance with AATCC 16.3-2014), of atleast 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, or 95%, optionally wherein the luminancefactor is measured in accordance with ASTM E1164-17. After an exposuretest (e.g., after a xenon exposure test optionally in accordance withAATCC 16.3-2014), a yarn and/or fabric of the present invention may havea luminance factor of at least 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, or 95%,optionally wherein the luminance factor is measured in accordance withASTM E1164-17. In some embodiments, before and/or after an exposure test(e.g., a xenon exposure test optionally in accordance with AATCC16.3-2014), a yarn and/or fabric of the present invention may have aluminance factor of at least 70% such as about 71%, 72%, 73%, 74%, 75%,76%, 77%, 78%, 79%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%,90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%, wherein theluminance factor may be measured in accordance with ASTM E1164-17.

A yarn of the present invention may be a single-ply yarn or a plied yarn(e.g., a multi-ply yarn). The yarn may be a single-ply yarn having asize of about 12/1 to about 40/1. The yarn may be plied yarn having asize of about 12/2 to about 40/2. In some embodiments the yarn is a12/1, 15/1, 17/1, 18/1, 20/1, 24/1, 30/1, or 40/1 yarn. In someembodiments, the yarn is a 30/2 or 40/2 yarn.

A yarn of the present invention may comprise one or more (e.g., 1, 2, 3or more) fibers in different forms. For example, a fiber present in theyarn may be a staple, tow, filament, or monofilament fiber. The yarn maycomprise staple fibers. In some embodiments, one or more different typesof fibers in the yarn are staple fibers. In some embodiments, all fiberspresent in the yarn are staple fibers. Typically, a staple fiber has alength in a range from about 0.75 inches to about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, or 18 inches, and a filament fiberhas any suitable length (e.g., greater than 18 inches to about 2, 4, 6,8, 10, 100, 200, 1,000, 10,000, or 20,000, 30,000 yards or more). Insome embodiments, a yarn of the present invention comprises staplefibers having a length of about 10 mm to about 100 mm, about 20 mm toabout 80 mm, about 30 mm to about 60 mm, about 40 mm to about 70 mm,about 40 mm to about 60 mm, or about 25 mm to about 60 mm. In someembodiments, the yarn comprises staple fibers having a length of about50 mm to about 55 mm.

A yarn of the present invention may comprise fibers (e.g., staplefibers) having a linear density (dtex) of about 1 dtex or more such asabout 1 to about 3, about 1.5 to about 2, about 1 to about 2, about 1.5to about 2.5, or about 2 to about 3 dtex. In some embodiments, the yarncomprises fibers having a linear density of about 1, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4,1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9,3, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9, or 4 dtex or more. Insome embodiments, the yarn comprises fibers (e.g., staple fibers such asthose having a length of about 50 mm to about 55 mm) having a lineardensity of about 1.5 to about 2 dtex.

A yarn of the present invention may comprise one or more (e.g., 1, 2, 3,4, or more) different fibers having a LOI of 20% or more, optionally asmeasured in accordance with ASTM D2863, ISO 4589-2, and/or NES 714. Insome embodiments, the yarn comprises fibers having a LOI of about 20%,21%, 22%, 23%, 24%, 25%, 26%, 27%, 28%, 29%, 30%, 31%, 32%, 33%, 34%,35%, or more. In some embodiments, the yarn comprises one or more fibershaving a LOI of 22% or more. In some embodiments, the yarn comprises oneor more fibers having a LOI of 25% or more. In some embodiments, theyarn comprises one or more fibers having a LOI of 28% or more. In someembodiments, the yarn comprises at least 1 or 2 different types offibers that have a LOI of 28% or more. In some embodiments, the yarncomprises fiber dyed modacrylic fibers that have a LOI of 28% or more.

A yarn comprising a blend of fibers as described herein may be preparedusing methods known to those of skill in the art. A “blend of fibers” asused herein refers to a plurality of two or more different types offibers. In some embodiments, one or more different types of fibers areprovided in a given weight percentage, blended, combed, and/or formedinto a yarn of the present invention. Methods of forming a yarn areknown to those of skill in the art and include, but are not limited to,drawing, drafting, spinning, and/or twisting fibers into a sliver and/oryarn. A yarn of the present invention may be spun using methods known tothose of skill in the art such as, but not limited to, ring spinning,vortex spinning, core spinning, air jet spinning and/or texturizing. Insome embodiments, a yarn of the present invention may be ring spun orvortex spun. Fibers present in a yarn of the present invention (e.g.,modacrylic fibers, anti-static fibers, and/or para-aramid fibers) may beuniformly entangled and/or respective fibers present in the yarn may bearranged parallel to one or more different fibers in the yarn along theZ and or X axis/helix of the yarn. In some embodiments, a yarn of thepresent invention may be plied or twisted, which may increase thestrength of the yarn compared to the strength of the yarn prior toplying or twisting.

A yarn of the present invention may have a denier of about 200 or moresuch as about 200, 250, 300, 350, 400, 450, 500 or more. The yarn mayhave a Z twist of about 20 to about 26 and/or a S twist of about 13 toabout 19, each optionally as measured in accordance with ASTM D1423. Insome embodiments, a yarn has a Z twist of about 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25,or 26 and/or a S twist of about 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, or 19, eachoptionally as measured in accordance with ASTM D1423. A yarn of thepresent invention may have a break strength of about 1, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3,1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8,2.9, or 3 lbs/breaking force, optionally on average, and/or anelongation of about 10%, 11%, 12%, 13%, 14%, 15%, 16%, 17%, 18%, 19%,20%, 21%, 22%, 23%, 24%, 25%, 26%, 27%, 28%, 29%, or 30%, optionally onaverage, each optionally as measured in accordance with ASTM D2256. Insome embodiments, the yarn has a break strength of about 1, 1.2, 1.4, or1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, or 3lbs/breaking force, optionally on average, and/or an elongation of about10%, 11%, 12%, 13%, 14%, 15%, 16%, 17%, 18%, 19%, 20%, 21%, 22%, 23%,24%, 25%, 26%, 27%, 28%, 29%, or 30%, optionally on average, eachoptionally as measured in accordance with ASTM D2256. A yarn of thepresent invention may have a shrinkage of about 2% or less, such asabout 1.9%, 1.8%, 1.7%, 1.6%, 1.5%, 1.4%, 1.3%, 1.2%, 1.1%, 1%, 0.9%,0.8%, 0.7%, 0.6%, 0.5%, 0.4%, 0.3%, 0.2%, 0.1% or less, optionally asmeasured in accordance with ASTM D2259.

One or more yarn(s) of the present invention may be used to form afabric of the present invention. In some embodiments, a yarn of thepresent invention is woven or knit to form a fabric and/or a garment(e.g., a shirt, pant, vest, jacket, etc.). A fabric of the presentinvention may be a woven fabric. Woven fabrics are known to those ofskill in the art and include, but are not limited to, a plain weave,twill weave (e.g., right hand twill), broken twill weave, ripstop weave,satin weave, or basketweave fabric. In some embodiments, the fabric iswoven with a plain weave. In some embodiments, a fabric of the presentinvention may be a knit. Knit fabrics are known to those of skill in theart and include, but are not limited to, interlock, single jersey,double jersey, warp, rib, and/or modified welt knits. In someembodiments, a fabric of the present invention is a mesh. In someembodiments, the fabric is a warp knit mesh. A fabric and/or garment ofthe present invention may be a single layer (e.g., a single knit orwoven layer) or may comprise multiple (e.g., 2 or more) layers. In someembodiments, the yarn and/or fabric is used in safety apparel and/or thegarment is safety apparel. In some embodiments, the garment is a shirt(e.g., a T-shirt), vest (e.g., safety vest), and/or rainwear. A fabricand/or garment may meet the conspicuity requirements set forth inANSI/ISEA 107-2020 and may be a Class 2 or Class 3 as defined byANSI/ISEA 107-2020.

In some embodiments, a garment of the present invention comprises afirst fabric meeting the requirements of ANSI/ISEA 107-2020 and a secondfabric that does not meet the requirements of ANSI/ISEA 107-2020 andoptionally the second fabric is a light color (e.g., white, ecru, lighttan, etc.), wherein the first fabric is immediately adjacent to thesecond fabric. The second fabric may be an acetate, cotton, nylon,polyester, acrylic, and/or wool. In some embodiments, the first fabricdoes not bleed onto and/or stain the second fabric, optionally afterlaundering (e.g., laundering performed in accordance with AATCC 61-2013at a temperature of about 105° F. to about 140° F.).

Fabrics of the present invention may comprise a yarn of the presentinvention. In some embodiments, a fabric of the present inventioncomprises one or more yarn(s) of the present invention in an amount ofabout 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%,93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% by weight of the fabric. Insome embodiments, a fabric of the present invention comprises one ormore yarn(s) of the present invention in an amount of about 80%, 81%,82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%,96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% of the total amount of yarns present in thefabric. In some embodiments, the fabric comprises a yarn of the presentinvention in the warp direction and/or fill direction or machinedirection and/or cross-machine direction. A plurality of yarns of thepresent invention may be arranged in a random manner in a fabric of thepresent invention or a pattern. For example, in some embodiments, aplurality of yarns of the present invention are woven together such asin a plain weave, twill weave, satin weave, or basketweave, or are knittogether.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, provided is afabric comprising a yarn of the present invention. The yarn may comprisea blend of fibers comprising: about 90% to about 99% fiber dyedmodacrylic fibers by weight of the yarn; about 0% to about 10%para-aramid fibers by weight of the yarn; and about 0% to about 2%anti-static fibers by weight of the yarn, wherein at least one ofpara-aramid fibers and anti-static fibers are present in the yarn. Insome embodiments, a fabric of the present invention comprises aplurality of yarns, wherein each yarn of the plurality of yarnscomprises fiber dyed modacrylic fibers blended with para-aramid fibersand/or anti-static fibers, and the fabric comprises: about 90% to about99% fiber dyed modacrylic fibers by weight of the fabric; about 0% toabout 10% para-aramid fibers by weight of the fabric; and about 0% toabout 2% anti-static fibers by weight of the fabric. In someembodiments, the fabric comprises para-aramid fibers, optionally whereinthe para-aramid fibers are not fiber dyed para-aramid fibers (e.g., arenatural para-aramid fibers). In some embodiments, the para-aramid fibersare not dyed and/or are devoid of a dye. In some embodiments, the fabriccomprises anti-static fibers, optionally fiber dyed anti-static fibers.In some embodiments, the fabric comprises para-aramid fibers andanti-static fibers, optionally wherein the anti-static fibers are fiberdyed anti-static fibers. In some embodiments, a yarn comprisinganti-static fibers is incorporated about every two centimeters in thewarp direction and/or weft direction or machine direction and/orcross-machine direction and may form a grid of overlapping yarnscomprising anti-static fibers.

In some embodiments, a fabric of the present invention comprises fiberdyed modacrylic fibers in an amount of about 95% by weight of fabric andthe para-aramid fibers (e.g., natural para-aramid fibers) are present inan amount of about 5% by weight of the fabric. In some embodiments, afabric of the present invention comprises fiber dyed modacrylic fibersin an amount of greater than 95% by weight of fabric and the para-aramidfibers (e.g., natural para-aramid fibers) are present in an amount ofless than 5% by weight of the fabric.

A fabric of the present invention may comprise one or more single-plyyarn(s) and/or one or more plied yarn(s) (e.g., one or more multi-plyyarn(s)). The fabric may comprise a single-ply yarn having a size ofabout 12/1 to about 40/1. The fabric may comprise a plied yarn having asize of about 12/2 to about 40/2. In some embodiments, the fabriccomprises a 12/1, 15/1, 17/1, 18/1, 20/1, 24/1, 30/1, and/or 40/1 yarn.In some embodiments, the fabric comprises a 30/2 and/or 40/2 yarn. Insome embodiments, the fabric comprises 30/2 yarns in the warp directionand/or fill direction or machine direction and/or cross-machinedirection. In some embodiments, the fabric comprises 40/2 yarns in thewarp direction and/or fill direction or machine direction and/orcross-machine direction.

In some embodiments, a fabric of the present invention may have a basisweight in a range of about 5 ounces per square yard (osy) to about 7 osysuch as about 5 osy to about 6 osy or about 6 to about 7 osy. In someembodiments, the fabric has a basis weight of about 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, or 7osy or more.

A fabric of the present invention may have an improved and/or increasedprotection to weight ratio compared to a fabric not in accordance withthe present invention (e.g., a control fabric). For example, in someembodiments, a fabric of the present invention may have a protection toweight ratio of about 1 or more (arc rating (cal/cm²) as measured inaccordance with NFPA 70E:weight of the fabric). In some embodiments, afabric of the present invention may have a protection to weight ratio ofabout 1, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2, or more (arcrating (cal/cm²) as measured in accordance with NFPA 70E:weight of thefabric). In some embodiments, a fabric of the present invention may havea protection to weight ratio of about 1.5 or more such as about 1.5 toabout 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, or 2 (arc rating (cal/cm²) as measured inaccordance with NFPA 70E:weight of the fabric). It is difficult toprovide a light weight fabric having the necessary flame resistanceand/or arc resistance. A light weight fabric having a high protectionrating can have the advantage of increased user compliance. In someembodiments, a fabric of the present invention has a basis weight ofabout 5 osy to about 7 osy and is a category 1 fabric (i.e., has an arcrating that satisfies the arc rating requirement for PPE in category 1(e.g., has an arc rating of at least 4.0 cal/cm² as measured inaccordance with ASTM F1959 and/or ASTM F1506)). In some embodiments, afabric of the present invention has a basis weight of about 6.6 osy orless and is a category 1 fabric. In some embodiments, a fabric of thepresent invention has a basis weight of about 5.3 osy to about 6.6 osyand is a category 1 fabric.

In some embodiments, a fabric of the present invention may have a totaldenier in the warp direction and/or weft direction or machine directionand/or cross-machine direction of about 100 to about 500, about 150 toabout 400, or about 300 to about 400. In some embodiments, the fabrichas a total denier in the warp direction and/or weft direction ormachine direction and/or cross-machine direction of about 100, 150, 200,250, 300, 350, 400, 450, or 500.

A fabric of the present invention may have about 20 to about 80 picksper inch (PPI) or courses per inch (CPI) such as about 20 to about 50,about 20 to about 40, about 30 to about 60, about 30 to about 50, about30 to about 40, about 40 to about 70, about 40 to about 60, about 40 toabout 50, about 50 to about 70, about 50 to about 60, about 60 to about80, about 60 to about 70, about 70 to about 80, about 55 to about 70, orabout 55 to about 65 PPI or CPI. In some embodiments, the fabric has aPPI or CPI of about 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32,33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50,51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68,69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80 or more. In someembodiments, the fabric has about 20 to about 40 PPI or CPI. As one ofskill in the textile industry would understand, picks per inch, or PPI,is the number of weft yarns or cross-machine direction yarns per inch ofthe fabric and is measured in the warp direction or machine direction ofthe fabric. In some embodiments, a knit fabric of the present inventionmay have about 20 or 25 to about 35 or 40 wales and/or about 30 or 35 toabout 40, 45, or 50 courses.

A fabric of the present invention may be heat set with standard textiletechniques, optionally with or without a chemical. A fabric of thepresent invention may comprise a finish on at least one surface of thefabric. A finish may be present on and/or in a fabric of the presentinvention in an amount of up to 3% of the total weight of the finishedfabric. In some embodiments, a yarn and/or fabric of the presentinvention is devoid of a flame retardant.

A fabric of the present invention may have one or more (e.g., 1, 2, 3,4, or more) improved properties compared to a control fabric. A “controlfabric” as used herein refers to a current commercial fabric and/or afabric in the same form as a fabric of the present invention that it isbeing compared to, but that is different in a certain manner (e.g., thecontrol fabric is devoid of a yarn of the present invention). Anexemplary control fabric may comprise a fabric that is devoid of fiberdyed modacrylic fibers and/or is devoid of a yarn comprising fiber dyedmodacrylic fibers. Another exemplary control fabric is one that isdevoid of a post-formation dye. In some embodiments, a control fabric isdevoid of fiber dyed modacrylic fibers and is devoid of a post-formationdye. In some embodiments, a control fabric comprises a plurality ofyarns that each comprise modacrylic fibers that are not fiber dyedmodacrylic fibers blended with para-aramid fibers and/or anti-staticfibers in the same weight percentages as a yarn present in a fabric ofthe preset invention that is being compared to. For example, a controlfabric may comprise a plurality of yarns that each comprise about 90% toabout 99% modacrylic fibers that are not fiber dyed modacrylic fibers byweight of the yarn; about 0% to about 10% para-aramid fibers by weightof the yarn; and about 0% to about 2% anti-static fibers by weight ofthe yarn, wherein at least one of para-aramid fibers and anti-staticfibers are present in the yarn.

A fabric of the present invention may meet or exceed the requirementsset forth in ANSI/ISEA 107-2020, ISO 20471:2013, ASTM E1164-17, AATCC61-2013 (e.g., AATCC 61-2013-2A, AATCC 61-2013-3A, AATCC 61-2013-4A,AATCC 61-2013-5A) optionally as carried out at 105° F. and/or 145° F.,AATCC 132-2013, AATCC 133-2013 as carried out at 230° F., 302° F.,and/or 392° F., AATCC 8-2016, AATCC 15-2013, ASTM D1424-09 2019, ASTMD3787-07 (2016), ASTM D6797-07 (2015), AATCC 135-2018, AATCC 96-2012,and/or AATCC 107-2013.

A fabric of the present invention may have one or more improvements inregard to laundering compared to a control fabric and/or may have adesired laundering characteristic. In some embodiments, afterlaundering, a fabric of the present invention has a grade of at least4-5 or 5 for color change. Laundering may be carried out in accordancewith AATCC 61-2013 at a temperature in a range of about 105° F. to about140° F. such as about 105, 110, 115, 120, 125, 130, 135, or 140° F. Forexample, a fabric of the present invention, after laundering inaccordance with AATCC 61-2013 as carried out at about 105° F., may havea grade of 4-5 or 5 for color change and/or, after laundering inaccordance with AATCC 61-2013 as carried out at about 120° F., may havea grade of at least 4-5 or 5 for color change.

In some embodiments, after laundering in accordance with AATCC 61-2013at a temperature in a range of 105° F. to about 140° F. (e.g., at about105° F.), a fabric of the present invention has a grade of 4, 4-5, or 5for staining of acetate, staining of cotton, staining of nylon, stainingof polyester, staining of acrylic, and/or staining of wool. In someembodiments, the fabric has a grade of 5 for staining of acetate,staining of cotton, staining of nylon, staining of polyester, stainingof acrylic, and staining of wool after laundering in accordance withAATCC 61-2013 as carried out at about 105° F. In some embodiments, afabric of the present invention, after laundering in accordance withAATCC 61-2013 as carried out at about 120° F., has a grade of 4, 4-5, or5 for staining of acetate, staining of cotton, staining of nylon,staining of polyester, staining of acrylic, and/or staining of wool. Thefabric may have a grade of 4-5 or 5 for staining of acetate, staining ofcotton, staining of nylon, staining of polyester, staining of acrylic,and staining of wool after laundering in accordance with AATCC 61-2013as carried out at about 120° F.

A fabric of the present invention, after laundering in accordance withAATCC 61-2013 as carried out at about 105° F., may have a grade of 5 forcolor change and a grade of 5 for staining of acetate, staining ofcotton, staining of nylon, staining of polyester, staining of acrylic,and/or staining of wool. In some embodiments, a fabric of the presentinvention, after laundering in accordance with AATCC 61-2013 as carriedout at about 120° F., has a grade of 5 for color change and a grade of 5for staining of acetate, staining of cotton, staining of nylon, stainingof polyester, staining of acrylic, and/or staining of wool. The fabricmay have a grade of 5 for staining of acetate, staining of cotton,staining of nylon, staining of polyester, staining of acrylic, andstaining of wool, optionally for staining of acetate, staining ofcotton, staining of nylon, and staining of acrylic.

In some embodiments, a fabric of the present invention, after launderingin accordance with AATCC 61-2013 (e.g., as carried out at about 105°F.), has an improvement in grade for staining of one or more of acetate,cotton, nylon, polyester, acrylic, and wool compared to a control fabric(e.g., a fabric devoid of a fiber dyed modacrylic fiber). In someembodiments, a fabric of the present invention, after laundering inaccordance with AATCC 61-2013 as carried out at about 145° F., has animprovement in grade for color change and/or grade for staining of oneor more of acetate, cotton, nylon, polyester, acrylic, and wool comparedto a control fabric (e.g., a fabric devoid of a fiber dyed modacrylicfiber).

A fabric of the present invention may have one or more improvements inregard to colorfastness compared to a control fabric and/or may have adesired colorfastness characteristic. In some embodiments, a fabric ofthe present invention has a colorfastness to crocking, wet and/or dry,having a grade of at least 3.0 or 4.0 by the Gray Scale for Stainingwhen measured in accordance with AATCC 8-2016. In some embodiments, afabric of the present invention has a colorfastness to crocking, wetand/or dry, having a grade of 3.0, 4.0, or 5.0 by the Gray Scale forStaining when measured in accordance with AATCC 8-2016. The fabric, wetand dry, may have a grade of 4.0 or 5.0 by the Gray Scale for Stainingwhen measured in accordance with AATCC 8-2016.

In some embodiments, a fabric of the present invention may have acolorfastness to perspiration having a grade of at least 4.0 for colorchange by the Gray Scale for Color Change and/or a grade of at least 3.0or 4.0 for staining by the Gray Scale for Staining when measured inaccordance with AATCC 15-2013. In some embodiments, a fabric of thepresent invention may have a colorfastness to perspiration having agrade of 4.0 or 5.0 for color change by the Gray Scale for Color Changeand/or a grade of 4.0 or 5.0 for staining by the Gray Scale for Stainingwhen measured in accordance with AATCC 15-2013.

A fabric of the present invention may have one or more (e.g., 1, 2, 3,4, 5, 6, or 7) colorfastness characteristics as defined in Table 2.

TABLE 2 Exemplary colorfastness characteristics Fastness, grade Care ofthe gray Test process scale, at least method Domestic Color change:AATCC laundry Grade 4.5; 61-2013-2A Staining: modified Grade 3.0 to use105° F. Commercial Color change: AATCC laundry Grade 4.5; 61-2013-Staining: 3A Grade 3.0 modified to use 145° F. Dry- Color shade AATCCcleaning change: 4 132-2013 Hypochlorite Color shade AATCC bleachingchange: 4 61-2013- Domestic 5A Hypochlorite Color shade AATCC bleachingchange: 4 61-2013- Commercial 4A Hot- Color change: AATCC pressing 4.5133-2013 Staining. 3.0 Water Color change & AATCC Staining: 107-2013Grade 3

A fabric of the present invention, after laundering, may have adimensional change in the warp direction and/or fill direction or in thelength direction and/or width direction (e.g., machine direction and/orcross-machine direction) that is within ±7%, ±6%, ±5%, ±4%, or ±3%, asmeasured in accordance with AATCC 135-2018 (3) (III) (A) (iii), AATCC158-2016 and/or AATCC 96-2012 (Mc) (A) and/or (E) carried out at atemperature of about 105° F. to about 140° F. In some embodiments, thelaundering is performed in accordance with AATCC 135-2018 (3) (III) (A)(iii), AATCC 158-2016 (dry cleaning) and/or AATCC 96-2012 (commerciallaundry) (Mc) (A) and/or (E) at a temperature of about 120° F. to about140° F. In some embodiments, the dimensional change in the warpdirection and fill direction or in the length direction and widthdirection is within ±7%, optionally within ±6%, ±5%, ±4%, or ±3%, andthe laundering may optionally be carried out in accordance with AATCC135-2018 (3) (III) (A) (iii), AATCC 158-2016 (dry cleaning) and/or AATCC96-2012 (commercial laundry) (Mc) (A) and/or (E) at a temperature ofabout 120° F. to about 140° F. In some embodiments, the dimensionalchange in the warp direction and fill direction for a woven fabric isless than 4% or less than 3%. In some embodiments, the dimensionalchange in the length direction and width direction for a knit fabric isless than 7%.

In some embodiments, after laundering, a fabric of the present inventionhas a dimensional change in the warp direction and/or fill direction ormachine direction and/or cross-machine direction that is reducedcompared to dimensional change in the warp direction and/or filldirection or machine direction and/or cross-machine direction for acontrol fabric (e.g., a fabric that is devoid of fiber dyed modacrylicfibers) after the same laundering as measured in accordance with AATCC135-2018 (3) (III) (A) (iii), AATCC 158-2016 and/or AATCC 96-2012 (Mc)(A) and/or (E) carried out at a temperature of about 105° F. or 120° F.to about 140° F.

A yarn and/or fabric of the present invention may be flame-resistant.“Flame-resistant” as used herein in reference to a yarn or fabric refersto a yarn or fabric that, upon exposure to an external source ofignition (e.g., a flame or electric arc flash), burns slowly orself-extinguishes after removal of the external source of ignition. Insome embodiments, a flame-resistant yarn or fabric does not melt ordrip, has an after-flame of less than 2 seconds, and has a char lengthof less than 6 inches when tested in accordance with ASTM F1506 and/orASTM D6413 and/or does not melt or drip, has an after-flame of less than2 seconds, and has a char length of less than 6 inches after 25launderings as tested in accordance with ASTM D6413. In someembodiments, the fabric is flame-resistant and the fabric meets orexceeds the requirements set forth in ASTM D6413. In some embodiments,the fabric is UL compliant and/or the fabric meets or exceeds therequirements set forth in ASTM D6413, NFPA 70E, NFPA 2112, ASTM F1506,NFPA 1975, NFPA 1977, Canadian Standard CGSB 155.20, and/or CanadianStandard CGSB 155.22/22. In some embodiments, the fabric meets orexceeds the requirements set forth in NFPA 1975, NFPA 1977 and CanadianStandard CGSB 155.22.

In some embodiments, a fabric of the present invention has improvedflame resistance compared to a control fabric. Flame resistance may bemeasured in accordance with ASTM D6413, ASTM F1506, ASTM D2261, and/orASTM D5034. In some embodiments, the fabric, when tested in accordancewith ASTM D6413 and/or ASTM F1506, has a char length of less than about6, 5.5, 5, 4.5, 4, 3.5, 3, 2.5, 2, 1.5, 1, or 0.5 inches. In someembodiments, the fabric after 10, 25, 50, 75, 100, 125, 150, or morelaunderings (e.g., industrial launderings and/or wash cycles), whentested in accordance with AATCC 135, Method 3, V, A, iii, ASTM D6413,and/or ASTM F1506, has a char length of less than about 6, 5.5, 5, 4.5,4, 3.5, 3, 2.5, 2, 1.5, 1, or 0.5 inches. In some embodiments, thefabric, when tested in accordance with AATCC 135, Method 3, V, A, iii,ASTM D6413, and/or ASTM F1506, has a char length about 0.5, 1, or 1.5inches to about 2, 2.25, 2.5, or 3 inches, optionally after 25launderings. In some embodiments, the fabric, when tested in accordancewith ASTM D6413 and/or ASTM F1506, has an after-flame and/orself-extinguishes within less than about 2, 1.9, 1.8, 1.7, 1.6, 1.5,1.4, 1.3, 1.2, 1.1, 1, 0.9, 0.8, 0.7, 0.6, or 0.5 seconds. In someembodiments, the fabric after 10, 25, 50, 75, 100, 125, 150, or morelaunderings, when tested in accordance with AATCC 135, Method 3, V, A,iii ASTM D6413, and/or ASTM F1506, has an after-flame and/orself-extinguishes within less than about 2, 1.9, 1.8, 1.7, 1.6, 1.5,1.4, 1.3, 1.2, 1.1, 1, 0.9, 0.8, 0.7, 0.6, 0.5 seconds. In someembodiments, the fabric, when tested in accordance with AATCC 135,Method 3, V, A, iii, ASTM D6413, and/or ASTM F1506, has an after-flameand/or self-extinguishes of about 0 or 0.5 seconds to about 1 or 1.5seconds, optionally after 25 launderings. The fabric, when tested inaccordance with AATCC 135, Method 3, V, A, iii, ASTM D6413, and/or ASTMF1506, may have a char length of less than about 6 inches and mayself-extinguish in less than about 2 seconds, optionally after 0, 10,25, 50, 75, 100, 125, 150, or more launderings.

In some embodiments, a fabric of the present invention has an improvedarc rating compared to a control fabric. Arc rating for a fabric may bemeasured in accordance with ASTM F1959 and/or ASTM F1506. In someembodiments, the fabric has an arc rating of about 4, 8, 10, 15, 20, 25,30, 35, 40, 45, 50 cal/cm² or more, optionally as measured in accordancewith ASTM F1959 and/or ASTM F1506. In some embodiments, the fabric hasan arc rating of at least about 9.5 or 10.1 cal/cm², optionally asmeasured in accordance with ASTM F1959 and/or ASTM F1506. In someembodiments, the fabric has an arc rating that satisfies the arc ratingrequirement for personal protective equipment (PPE) in category 1 (e.g.,has an arc rating of at least 4.0 cal/cm² as measured in accordance withASTM F1959 and/or ASTM F1506). In some embodiments, the fabric has anarc rating that satisfies the arc rating requirement for PPE in category2 (e.g., has an arc rating of at least 8.0 cal/cm² as measured inaccordance with ASTM F1959 and/or ASTM F1506). In some embodiments, thefabric has an arc rating that satisfies the arc rating requirement forPPE in category 3 (e.g., has an arc rating of at least 25 cal/cm² asmeasured in accordance with ASTM F1959 and/or ASTM F1506). In someembodiments, the fabric has an arc rating that satisfies the arc ratingrequirement for PPE in category 4 (e.g., has an arc rating of at least40 cal/cm² as measured in accordance with ASTM F1959 and/or ASTM F1506).In some embodiments, the fabric is a category 1, 2, 3, or 4 PPE fabricas measured in accordance with ASTM F1959 and/or ASTM F1506.

In some embodiments, color or color fastness of a fabric of the presentinvention may be measured in accordance with TM AATCC 16E. In someembodiments, the fabric may have a rating of 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, or 5 asmeasured in accordance with TM AATCC 16E. A fabric having a dark shade(e.g., navy, black, etc.) may have a rating of at least 3 as measured inaccordance with TM AATCC 16E. A fabric having a light shade (e.g., tan,ecru, light gray, etc.) may have a rating of at least 4 as measured inaccordance with TM AATCC 16E. The fabric may have a laundering rating ofat least 4 as measured in accordance with TM AATCC 61 2A. In someembodiments, the fabric has a laundering rating of about 4, 4.5, or 5 asmeasured in accordance with TM AATCC 61 2A. In some embodiments, thefabric may have a crocking rating of at least 4 as measured inaccordance with TM AATCC 8. In some embodiments, the fabric has acrocking rating of about 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, or 6, as measured in accordancewith TM AATCC 8.

In some embodiments, the fabric may shrink in length and/or widthdirection after a laundering (e.g., after 1, 10, 25, 50, 75, 100, 150,160, 200, or more launderings) by less than about 3%, 2.5%, 2%, 1.5%,1%, or 0.5%, optionally as measured in accordance with TM AATCC 135,method 3, V, A, iii. In some embodiments, the fabric may shrink inlength and/or width direction after 10 or 25 launderings (e.g., washcycles) by less than about 3%, 2.75%, 2.5%, 2.25%, 2%, 1.75%, 1.5%,1.25%, 1%, 0.7%, or 0.5% as measured in accordance with TM AATCC 135,method 3, V, A, iii. In some embodiments, a fabric of the presentinvention has improved shrinkage in the length and/or width directioncompared to the shrinkage in the length and/or width direction of acontrol fabric. For example, in some embodiments, the fabric has reduced(e.g., reduced by about 2%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, or more) shrinkage in thelength and/or width direction of the fabric compared to the shrinkage ofa control fabric in length and/or width direction. In some embodiments,a fabric of the present invention, after exposure to 500° F. for 5minutes, has a shrinkage in the length and/or width direction of lessthan 10%, optionally as measured in accordance with Section 8.4 of NFPA2112-2018 and/or ASTM F2894.

A fabric of the present invention may have tear strength in the warpdirection and/or fill direction or machine direction and/orcross-machine direction of about 2.5 lbf or more, optionally as measuredin accordance with ASTM D1424. In some embodiments, the fabric may havea tear strength in the warp direction and/or fill direction or machinedirection and/or cross-machine direction of about 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5,5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 10.5, 11, 11.5, 12, 12.5,13, 13.5, 14, 14.5, 15, 15.5, 16, 16.5, 17, 17.5, 18, 18.5, 19, 19.5, or20 lbf or more, optionally as measured in accordance with ASTM D1424. Insome embodiments, the fabric may have a tear strength in the warpdirection and/or fill direction or machine direction and/orcross-machine direction of about 2.5, 3, 3.5, or 4 lbf to about 5, 6, 7,8, 9, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, or 20 lbf, optionally as measured inaccordance with ASTM D1424. In some embodiments, the fabric has a tearstrength in the warp direction and/or fill direction or machinedirection and/or cross-machine direction of at least about 4, 5, 6, 7,8, 9, 10, 11, or 12 as measured in accordance with ASTM D1424.

In some embodiments, a fabric of the present invention has minimal or nodiscoloration after about 10, 25, 50, 75, 100, 150, 160, 200, or morelaunderings compared to the color of the fabric prior to launderingand/or compared to a control fabric. Discoloration may be determinedupon visual comparison with the human eye. In some embodiments, a fabricof the present invention after about 10, 25, 50, 75, 100, 150, 160, 200,or more launderings exhibits no visually perceptive color changecompared to the color of the fabric prior to laundering.

A fabric of the present invention may have a CIE Delta E of less thanabout 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, or 1 at about 3, 6, 9, or 12 months ormore (e.g., 3, 6, 9, or 12 months or more of outdoor exposure) and/orafter exposure to 880, 1320, or 2200 kJ in accordance with AATCC 169Option 3.

In some embodiments, a fabric of the present invention has increasedand/or improved strength (e.g., tear strength and/or tensile strength),shrinkage, seam slippage, crock, shade consistency, color fastness,arc-flash resistance, and/or laundering properties compared to thestrength (e.g., tear strength and/or tensile strength), shrinkage, seamslippage, crock, shade consistency, color fastness, arc-flashresistance, and/or laundering properties for a control fabric.

A fabric and/or yarn of the present invention may be used to form agarment using methods known to those of skill in the art. Exemplarygarments include, but are not limited to, shirts, pants, pullovers,jackets, coveralls, vests, gloves, and headwear.

The present invention is explained in greater detail in the followingnon-limiting examples.

EXAMPLES Example 1

Colorfastness to laundering (accelerated) was tested in accordance withAATCC TM61-2013 for a fluorescent yellow woven fabric and a controlfabric using a 1993 AATCC Standard Reference Detergent WOB (0.15%),Launder-Ometer Roaches laundering machine, and stainless steel abrasiveballs. The fluorescent yellow woven fabric was style number GGSW2532,was not piece dyed, and included, by weight of the fabric, 74% fiberdyed modacrylic fibers, 15% fiber dyed meta-aramid fibers, 10% naturalpara-aramid fibers and 1% natural (white) anti-static fibers. Thecontrol fabric was a fluorescent yellow-green woven fabric that waspiece dyed and included, by weight of the fabric, 95% modacrylic fibers(that were not fiber dyed modacrylic fibers) and 5% para-aramid fibers.All results in grade are on gray scale with Grade 5 corresponding to nochange in color nor staining and Grade 1 corresponding to severe changein color or staining. The results for the fluorescent yellow wovenfabric at four different washing temperatures are provided in Table 3.Including additional fiber dyed modacrylic fibers in the fabric shouldprovide comparable or better results than those provided in Table 3. Theresults for the control fabric at a washing temperature of 40±2° C. areprovided in Table 4.

TABLE 3 Colorfastness to laundering results for an exemplary fabricincluding fiber dyed modacrylic fibers. 40 ± 2° C. 49 ± 2° C. 63 ± 2° C.71 ± 2° C. washing washing washing washing temperature temperaturetemperature temperature Color 5 5 4-5 4-5 change Staining of 5 5 5 4-5Acetate Staining of 5 5 4-5 5 Cotton Staining of 5 5 4-5 4 NylonStaining of 5 4-5 4-5 5 Polyester Staining of 5 5 4-5 4-5 AcrylicStaining of 5 4-5 4 4-5 Wool

TABLE 4 Colorfastness to laundering results for a control fabric 40 ± 2°C. washing temperature Color change 5 Staining of Acetate 4-5 Stainingof Cotton 4-5 Staining of Nylon 3-4 Staining of Polyester 4 Staining ofAcrylic 4 Staining of Wool 3-4

The foregoing is illustrative of the present invention and is not to beconstrued as limiting thereof. Although exemplary embodiments of thisinvention have been described, those skilled in the art will readilyappreciate that many modifications are possible in the exemplaryembodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings andadvantages of this invention. Accordingly, all such modifications areintended to be included within the scope of this invention as defined inthe claims. The invention is defined by the following claims, withequivalents of the claims to be included therein.

1. A yarn comprising: a blend of fibers, the blend of fibers comprising:about 90% to about 99% fiber dyed modacrylic fibers by weight of theyarn; about 0% to about 10% para-aramid fibers by weight of the yarn;and about 0% to about 2% anti-static fibers by weight of the yarn,wherein at least one of para-aramid fibers and anti-static fibers arepresent in the yarn. 2.-17. (canceled)
 18. A fabric comprising the yarnof claim
 1. 19. A fabric comprising: a plurality of yarns, wherein eachyarn of the plurality of yarns comprises fiber dyed modacrylic fibersblended with para-aramid fibers and/or anti-static fibers, wherein thefabric comprises: about 90% to about 99% fiber dyed modacrylic fibers byweight of the fabric; about 0% to about 10% para-aramid fibers by weightof the fabric; and about 0% to about 2% anti-static fibers by weight ofthe fabric.
 20. The fabric of claim 19, wherein the fabric comprisespara-aramid fibers.
 21. The fabric of claim 19, wherein the fabriccomprises anti-static fibers.
 22. The fabric of claim 19, wherein thefabric comprises para-aramid fibers and anti-static fibers.
 23. Thefabric of claim 20, wherein the para-aramid fibers are not fiber dyedpara-aramid fibers.
 24. The fabric claim 19, wherein the fiber dyedmodacrylic fibers are present in an amount of about 95% by weight offabric and the para-aramid fibers are present in an amount of about 5%by weight of the fabric.
 25. The fabric of claim 19, wherein the fiberdyed modacrylic fibers are present in an amount of greater than 95% byweight of fabric and the para-aramid fibers are present in an amount ofless than 5% by weight of the fabric.
 26. The fabric of claim 19,wherein the fabric comprises fiber dyed fibers in an amount of about 90%to about 100% by weight of the fabric. 27.-29. (canceled)
 30. The fabricof claim 19, wherein the fabric is not treated with a coloring agentand/or wherein each yarn of the plurality of yarns is devoid of apost-formation dye.
 31. The fabric of claim 19, wherein the fabric has aweight of about 5 ounces per square yard (osy) to about 7 osy.
 32. Thefabric of claim 19, wherein the fabric is woven or is a knit. 33-34.(canceled)
 35. The fabric of claim 19, wherein the fabric meets orexceeds the requirements set forth in ANSI/ISEA 107-2020, ISO20471:2013, ASTM E1164-17, AATCC 61-2013 AATCC 132-2013, AATCC 133-2013as carried out at 230° F., 302° F., and/or 392° F., AATCC 8-2016, AATCC15-2013, ASTM D1424-09 (2019), ASTM D3787-07 (2016), ASTM D6797-07(2015), AATCC 135-2018, AATCC 96-2012, and/or AATCC 107-2013.
 36. Thefabric of claim 19, wherein the fabric, after laundering in accordancewith AATCC 61-2013 as carried out at about 105° F. 145° F., has a gradeof 4-5 or 5 for color change and/or a grade of 4, 4-5, or 5 for stainingof acetate, staining of cotton, staining of nylon, staining ofpolyester, staining of acrylic, and/or staining of wool.
 37. The fabricof claim 19, wherein the fabric, after laundering in accordance withAATCC 61-2013 as carried out at about 105° F., has a grade of 4, 4-5, or5 for staining of acetate, staining of cotton, staining of nylon,staining of polyester, staining of acrylic, and/or staining of wool. 38.(canceled)
 39. The fabric of claim 19, wherein the fabric, afterlaundering in accordance with AATCC 61-2013 as carried out at about 145°F., has an improvement in grade for staining of one or more of acetate,cotton, nylon, polyester, acrylic, and wool compared to a control fabricdevoid of a fiber dyed modacrylic fiber.
 40. The fabric of claim 19,wherein the fabric has a color, prior to and/or after an exposure test,having chromaticity coordinates as defined by ANSI/ISEA 107-2020 thatfall within the chromaticity coordinates for fluorescent yellow-green,fluorescent orange-red, or fluorescent red.
 41. The fabric of claim 19,wherein the fabric has a luminance factor, prior to an exposure test, ofat least 70%, optionally wherein the luminance factor is measured inaccordance with ASTM E1164-17. 42.-45. (canceled)
 46. The fabric ofclaim 19, wherein, after laundering, the fabric has a dimensional changein the warp direction and/or fill direction or machine direction and/orcross-machine direction that is within ±7%, as measured in accordancewith AATCC 135-2018 (3) (III) (A) (iii), AATCC 158-2016 and/or AATCC96-2012 (Mc) (A) and/or (E) carried out at a temperature of about 105°F. to about 140° F. 47-53. (canceled)
 54. The fabric of claim 19,wherein the fabric is UL compliant and/or the fabric meets or exceedsthe requirements set forth in ASTM D6413, NFPA 70E, NFPA 2112, ASTMF1506, NFPA 1975, NFPA 1977, Canadian Standard CGSB 155.20, and/orCanadian Standard CGSB 155.22. 55.-64. (canceled)
 65. The fabric ofclaim 19, wherein the fabric has a protection to weight ratio of about 1or more (arc rating (cal/cm²) as measured in accordance with NFPA70E:weight of the fabric).
 66. A method of forming a garment, the methodcomprising: providing the fabric of claim
 19. 67. (canceled)